Written question asked by Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Scotland of Asthal (Labour) on Wednesday, 7 June 2006.

Peace Protesters

Question: Under which Acts peace protesters can be arrested for conducting a non-violent protest.

Answer: General controls on demonstrations are contained in the Public Order Act 1986, which allows the police to place conditions on processions and assemblies in certain circumstances. There are other controls on demonstrations. For example, Section 128 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 makes it an offence to trespass on a designated site. Under Section 137 of the Highways Act it is an offence to wilfully obstruct the highway. It is an offence under Section 132 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act to organise, take part in or carry on a demonstration in a public place in the vicinity of Parliament without prior authorisation from the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police. Those who commit these offences are liable to arrest.

Secondary information